Generic
Ritodrine Hydrochloride
1 brands available in the market
At a glance
Ritodrine Hydrochloride is a β2-adrenergic agonist used for the treatment of uncomplicated premature labor. It relaxes the uterus by stimulating β2-adrenergic receptors of the uterine muscle, decreasing the intensity and frequency of contractions.
Description
Ritodrine hydrochloride is a β2-adrenergic agonist that relaxes the uterus by stimulating β2-adrenergic receptors of the uterine muscle. It increases cellular cAMP and sequesters intracellular calcium, decreasing myometrial contractility. Without intracellular calcium, activation of smooth muscle contractile proteins is prevented and the uterus relaxes.
Indications
- Uncomplicated premature labor
Therapeutic class
Drugs acting on the Uterus
Pharmacological class
β2-Adrenergic Agonist (Tocolytics)
Pharmacology
Ritodrine stimulates β2-adrenergic receptors on uterine muscle, increasing cAMP and sequestering intracellular calcium, which decreases myometrial contractility and relaxes the uterus. It reduces the intensity and frequency of contractions, delaying premature delivery.
Mechanism of action
Delays premature labor by relaxing uterine muscle.
Dosage
Adult Dose (IV):
- Initial: 50 mcg/min; increase by 50 mcg/min every 10 minutes until contractions stop or maternal heart rate reaches 140/min; usual rate: 150-350 mcg/min; max 350 mcg/min
Adult Dose (IM):
- 10 mg every 3-8 hours; continued for 12-48 hours after contractions have ceased
Adult Dose (Oral):
- 10 mg approximately 30 minutes before termination of IV therapy; repeat every 2 hours for 24 hours; then 10-20 mg every 4-6 hours; max 120 mg/day
Administration
- IV infusion: At prescribed rate per minute, gradually increased
- Oral: May be taken with or without food; take at a fixed time
- Swallow tablet whole; do not chew, crush, or break
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, consult your doctor.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Breathlessness
- Chest discomfort
- Increased blood glucose
- Increased heart rate
- Palpitations
- Tremor
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Flushing
- Sweating
- Hypokalemia
Precautions & warnings
- Avoid over-hydration
- Monitor blood pressure and pulse rate regularly
- Caution in cardiac disease, hypertension, diabetes, hyperthyroidism
- Inform doctor if contractions begin again or water breaks
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to ritodrine or any excipient
- Cardiac disease
- Significant risk factors for myocardial ischemia
- Antepartum hemorrhage
- Intra-uterine infection
- Intra-uterine fetal death
- Placenta previa
- Abruptio placenta
- Threatened miscarriage
- Cord compression
- Eclampsia or severe pre-eclampsia
Drug interactions
- Corticosteroids, diuretics (acetazolamide, loop diuretics, thiazides), theophylline: Increased risk of hypokalemia
- β-adrenergic blocking drugs: Inhibit action
- Anesthetics: Hypotensive effects may be potentiated
- Pancuronium, vecuronium: May enhance neuromuscular blockade
- Potentially fatal: Potassium-depleting drugs increase risk of hypokalemia
Food interactions
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Ritodrine Hydrochloride.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Pregnancy Category B; do not use before 20 weeks; studies from 20 weeks onwards have not shown increased risk of fetal abnormalities; use only when clearly indicated.
Pregnancy Category: B — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Information regarding use during breastfeeding is not available; consult your doctor.
Pediatric use
Safety not established in children; consult your doctor.
Geriatric use
Not applicable for elderly patients (used during pregnancy).
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Limited information on use in kidney disease; consult your doctor.
Hepatic Impairment: Limited information on use in liver disease; consult your doctor.
Overdose effects
Overdose: Tachycardia (maternal and fetal), palpitations, cardiac arrhythmia, hypotension, nervousness, tremor, nausea, vomiting; treatment: gastric lavage or induction of emesis, activated charcoal; for parenteral overdose, discontinue ritodrine, β-blocking agent may be used as an antidote.
Storage conditions
Keep away from reach of children; store in cool and dry place, protected from light.
Chemical structure
Ritodrine Hydrochloride